The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Gary Paulsen never ceases to amaze. He’s done it all—from when he ran away at age 14 to join a carnival to competing in the Iditarod to winning awards for his writing. The author of over 200 books has two more coming out this year—and has another on the way! He took time out of his very busy schedule to answer some questions about his new historical fiction novel, Woods Runner.

Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) awards the authors and illustrators who have delivered the most outstanding work. The two most prestigious and well known awards are the John Newbery Medal and the Randolph Caldecott Medal. However, there are also many other awards that offer recognition to the deserving and applaud excellence. Each award is carefully judged by a committee of librarians and children’s experts, whom never fail to provide us with a distinguished list of books that are sure to make an impact on our children.

“Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, please visit the ALA Web site at www.ala.org.” ~ ALA Press Release

I say: I don’t joke about these things. Besides, if you’ve read Ingrid Law‘s first novel, Savvy, you’d believe me. Who can beat a coming-of-age tale about quirky family members with supernatural gifts? The characters are developed so clearly and are so colorful that the unexpected journey they take on a pink bus (yes, I said, “a pink bus”) is truly one you wouldn’t want to miss. It is clear to me that Ingrid Law’s own savvy is certainly writing, but with such honorable modesty she proclaims her savvy to be something much different. Please read the interview to find out!

This is what Ingrid Law has to say about being a writer, receiving a Newbery Honor, her own savvy, and much more …